Quotes by Adam Ferguson
1723 – 1816
Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) was a member of the Scottish Enlightenment who succeeded David Hume in his post as Librarian of the Advocate’s Library in Edinburgh. Ferguson later became professor of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and wrote important works on philosophy and history.
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Adam Ferguson notes that “implicit submission to any leader, or the uncontrouled exercise of any power” leads to a form of military government and ultimately despotism (1767)
Economics
Adam Ferguson observed that social structures of all kinds were “the result of human action, but not the execution of any human design” (1782)
Politics & Liberty
Ferguson on the flourishing of man’s intellectual powers in a commercial society (1767)
Philosophy
Adam Ferguson on Love, Self-Interest, and Pleasure
Politics & Liberty
Adam Ferguson on Factional Quarrels
Politics & Liberty
Adam Ferguson on Democracy